**Update summer 2023:
Instagram verification is now paid for most people. The majority of information in this guide regarding the value and reasoning for verification remains true.
Instagram, technically Meta Verification that can also apply to Facebook (for additional costs), still requires profiles to be eligible, which means meeting age requirements and the provision of other forms of personal identification.
Big, well-known brands, celebs, politicians, and others of fame and fortune have long worn with pride the coveted blue badges that herald their legitimacy and prominence.
Historically, getting verified on social media platforms was something that kind of happened organically. If you're Burger King or Barack Obama, then your official account was probably granted this honor across all platforms without a second thought - and likely without you ever having had to lift a finger.
This article probably isn't for Burger King or Barack Obama.
The little blue verification badge has been a coveted social media icon for years now, and for good reason, too.
Being verified has many benefits including, but not limited to:
Official verification on Instagram sends a message to all those who come across you that your profile is more desirable, more active, and more worthwhile to follow. It also demonstrates that you're the real you, which is important, right?
While verification does not guarantee increased engagement or followers, it does greatly increase the likelihood of success.
Now that IG verification is paid, the verification process today is easier than it used to be. Via the Instagram mobile app for either iOS or Android, on your profile page, head to the hamburger menu icon in the upper right-hand corner and tap Settings and Privacy.
Scroll down the list until you see tools and controls (Creator Tools and Controls for creators). At the bottom you should see "Meta Verified". Tap "Next" on the next screen and select the profile you wish to verify.Next, you'll be asked to Confirm Authenticity by inputting a bit of information about your company or person to help IG confirm that you are who you say you are, and that you're worth recognizing.
Verification costs $14.99 per month for both users and companies and further information seems to no longer be required. If you wish to become verified on both Facebook and Instagram there is a small discount in price, making it $24.99 per month. The information you'll be required to include is:
There is no longer any need to prove noteworthiness, provide other names, or jump through the numerous hoops that Instagram used to require from those requesting verification.
This is probably the biggest piece of the puzzle, so you'll want to get it right.
According to the app, the document type can be a:
If you're applying as a company, you will likely want to go with one of the latter options. Articles of incorporation in particular carry a considerable amount of influence and legitimacy for a business applying for Instagram verification.
However, whichever document you choose, you'll have to create the right kind of file. The verification process only allows for image files, and you'll have to get them on the applicant's mobile device. This is fine for IDs, of course, but chances are your company isn't keeping its utility bills lying around in .jpeg or .png format.
Better get your scanner ready!
It's not difficult, but it is a nuisance and something to be aware of in advance.
How very true to form, Instagram.
You'll next have to be able to prove that you're kind of a big deal.
To do this, Instagram allows you to include links to other sites that demonstrate notability. These can be your other social media pages, news articles about your brand, press releases by parent or partner companies of note, info about prominent figures within your organization, or other links that highlight your company.
Some of the best include:
While you can and should emphasize your social media channels if they're strong, you cannot use your own website or blog. Try using a mixture of link types for a broad picture of your influence.
Blog articles are not usually as strong an option as news articles from prominent publications, but depending on the authority of the blog, it may still be a decent reference.
Try to focus on relatively recent links as well. A big press release from 2005 might count for something, but if you can do better, you should. You can have up to five links and you should take advantage of all of them.
Everyone wants to be verified and everyone thinks they're important.
Instagram and other social media platforms deal with countless applications, and each is (supposedly) reviewed by human beings for legitimacy.
It's your job to convince these individuals that you matter. They receive thousands and thousands of applications – most of which likely do not meet their standards – so making a good impression fast to someone who may be on autopilot is important.
There are a few ways that you can improve your chances of getting Instagram verification.
Some of the strongest include:
Instagram claims that the process of verification now takes 48 hours.
One thing is for certain though: in the current social media climate, standing out from the crowd has never been more important and Instagram verification is one of the best ways to make sure that your company or organization is seen and heard.
As we said, a great profile with excellent, relevant content is one of the best ways to get verified on Instagram, and video is currently IG's favorite content type. It doesn't have to be as challenging as it may sound, and it's super important. So once again, that's why we've created an in-depth guide to short-form video on social media.
Download it for free and find out how you can make not only better Instagram content, but also content for other popular video platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and more!